Tenor: My Name is Pati hits $1 million, striking a chord on the big screen

The standing ovation for Sāmoan opera brothers Pene and Amitai Pati is echoing beyond concert halls and filling cinemas across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Their documentary, Tenor: My Name is Pati, has officially passed $1 million at the New Zealand box office, marking a major milestone for a homegrown Pacific story.

It now stands among the highest-grossing local documentaries of all time. A rare feat that shows the power of Pacific stories told on our own terms.

Speaking on Niu FM’s The Morning Shack, Pene says the impact of the film goes far beyond ticket sales.

“The overall product of it is knowing that someone after me, from New Zealand, from Sāmoa is going to be way better - and I accept that wholeheartedly,” Pene says.

“How would the kids in Sāmoa or New Zealand know what’s possible if you don’t show up?”

Directed and produced by Rebecca Tansley, the film follows the brothers’ Amitai journey from their humble beginnings in Sāmoa and Māngere to some of the world’s biggest opera stages.

Many will know them as part of the trio Sol3 Mio. But this story goes deeper showing the work, sacrifice and belief behind the success.

Pacific audiences across Aotearoa have turned out in force to back a story that reflects their own families, struggles, and hopes.

Kelly Rogers, the CEO of Rialto Distribution, said in a statement that connection is what’s driving the film’s success.

“This is a film that people are not only watching but carrying with them and sharing with others,” Rogers said.

“Reaching the $1 million mark is an incredible achievement, and it speaks to the power of Pene and Amitai’s story, and the pride audiences feel seeing it on screen.”

Annie Murray, New Zealand Film Commission’s Chief Executive, says the film is part of a growing movement in local cinema.

“For a documentary to achieve this level of success is a clear sign the film has resonated with audiences.

"Alongside the success of Tinā, it shows the continued connection audiences have with stories grounded in Pasifika values. This momentum matters and reinforces the value of championing bold, authentic storytelling.”

Produced by Minerva Productions with the support of the NZFC and Executive Producer Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin, the film continues to draw new viewers weeks after its release.

Tenor: My Name is Pati currently sits alongside Prime Minister ($1.22m), The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls ($1.81m), Poi E: The Story of Our Song ($1.19m), and Richie McCaw: Chasing Great ($1.82m) as one of the top five highest-earning documentary features in New Zealand’s history.

The Aotearoa tour of the film ended in March and Pene has returned to Europe to fulfil his opera commitments where he’ll continue to carry his proud Sāmoan heritage and spirit onto the world’s greatest stages.

Tenor: My Name Is Pati is playing in cinemas nationwide.